The Norwegian Nobel Committee has issued a firm clarification following Maria Corina Machado’s decision to gift her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Venezuelan opposition leader presented the medal to the President during an Oval Office meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026, as a gesture of gratitude for his role in the recent political shifts in Venezuela.
Despite the symbolic transfer, the Nobel Committee emphasized that its prizes cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred.
In a statement, the committee noted that while a physical medal can technically change hands, the official title of Nobel Peace Prize laureate remains permanently with the original recipient and cannot be reassigned. The committee reiterated its long-standing rule that once a prize is announced, the decision is final and stays for all time.
Machado defended her actions by citing historical precedents, such as the Marquis de Lafayette gifting a George Washington medal to Simon Bolivar’s family.
She described the act as a recognition of Trump’s “unique commitment” to Venezuelan freedom, referring to him as the “heir of Washington.” Trump publicly acknowledged the gift on Truth Social, calling it a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect” and praising Machado for her resilience.
The meeting took place amidst a complex political backdrop in Venezuela, following the U.S.-backed ouster of Nicolás Maduro earlier in January.
While Machado dedicated the medal to Trump, the White House has notably maintained support for interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, with President Trump previously expressing doubts about Machado’s ability to stabilize the country.
The physical medal is currently displayed in a large gold frame in the White House, featuring an inscription that labels it a personal symbol of gratitude from the Venezuelan people
